Ainge, the sources say, has recently discussed trading Rondo in a deal that nets Paul, but the Hornets don't appear interested in a two-team deal in which Rondo -- who has four years worth approximately $46 million left on his contract -- and Paul would switch places. So Ainge has been on the prowl for a third team that could provide the sort of young pieces Hornets general manager Dell Demps would covet as part of his possible rebuilding plan. The more pressing question, of course, is whether Paul, who can become a free agent after this season, would consider signing an extension with Boston.

While ESPN reports that New York tops Paul's wish list because of the chance to form a Big Three with Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, Paul would have a chance to take the Big Four -- joining Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen -- to a new level in Beantown. Without Paul agreeing to an extension, however, the sources say Ainge will not do the deal.

Intriguing as the Celtics possibility might be, the challenge for Ainge would be selling the 26-year-old Paul on the idea of joining a group of future Hall of Famers with an average age of 35.

I'm pretty surprised that the Hornets don't want Rondo. Do they really think they can do better? Did they see the drudge that Denver got for 'Melo? If I'm the Hornets I snag Rondo up quick. He could end up being the better player for the next 10 years and he'll cost about half as much. For these reasons, I'm not so sure why Ainge is so willing to get rid of him. Sort of a moot point anyway. Chris Paul isn't going to agree to an extension with Boston until he knows for sure that he can't pull a 'Melo and end up on the Knicks. So all this talk does is show Rondo that he's unwanted by his general manager. Then again after Rondo's best friend Kendrick Perkins was traded last season, I'm sure Rondo knows not to expect too much loyalty from his boss.

don't see it happening just because i don't think paul would sign an extension in boston with three other players that are 35 and up. If boston can promise him dwight howard next year maybe, i think if they get a third team like, the nuggets (hilario) or maybe the grizzlies it could work.

Chris Paul to Boston would be fantastic, but if Cp3 does come to Boston (Please) then Boston will Look More than attractive to Boston, I'm sure of it. Im sure Hornets would do a RR, BBD For Cp3 trade, because there not gonna get a LeBron Offer anytime soon... other than this one (I Hope)

Reean, CP3 has bad knees too. I'd rather have Rondo and try to build around him. maybe trade up somehow to a lottery pick in the draft seems how the draft is supposed to be loaded with talent. and then if we're lucky, Rondo and the lottery pick we could get, and CP3 goes to NY, ending any hopes for Howard to join CP3, and then maybe Boston would look more enticing to Howard.

Danny Ainge is a complete screw up. he is one of the worse GM's in the league.he screwed the team up last year. to think anyone would want to play for him after showing no loyalty to the players leaves one to wonder...... he was a very lousy player when he tried to play and to think he would be a good GM after a his playing were days,leads me to say, the apple doesn't fall to far from the tree. Bad player....bad GM

I think this would be stupid. If anyone should be traded it should older players because, because Rondo has TREMENDOUS upside. He's showed SO MUCH over the years. CP3 will likely have to retire years earlier than Rondo because of knee trouble. This would be without a doubt the WORST trade EVER. Rondo is a TRADITIONAL PG which is exactly what we need. RONDO > CP3

Total rumor. Why would a GM trade an elite point guard that's developed with this coach and players for an elite point guard that hasn't? Not to mention the fact that with Allen and KG's contracts up next year, why would Chris Paul necessarily want to come and stay with that uncertainty looming?

Another part of me thinks:

Makes sense. Ainge believes that this is the last year of "the window" with this group of allstars, might as well go all in and see if a new point guard is what the veterans need to bring home the banner. Maybe there some behind-the-scenes issues between Rondo that we don't know about, given the consistent trade rumors with him?

But really, we won it with Rondo before, he became a star despite the other stars on the team, he may have taken a step back last year, but he's a great player that just needs to have confidence and the right attitude to win. I say stick with him.

Here's why the trade may go down.... Boston needs a PG that can shoot from outside and also be able to hit free throws. Which Rondo sucks at both. 75% of his shots are layups. With the game on the line, you could basically play "hack a Rondo" or double team Allen or Pierce and force Rondo to shoot..... I think CP3 would spread the offense up more....

While I love Rondo in green, I believe this would be a great trade if it brings D Howard to Boston. Diehard Celtic or not, all of you have to know in the back of your mind that making Rondo a shooter is not going to happen if he doesn't feel it's necessary. CP3 is a shooter and can give assists as easily as Rondo. Teams would have to respect his shot more. Imagine him in place of Rondo with the big 3. Are you serious? Who would not make this trade?

And for the person who posted Ainge is a horrible GM...he did put the big 3 together and have been competitive each year since. I agree the Perk trade was not ideal, but come on. Otherwise he has been pretty dead on.

I would send Rondo and West as an option for CP3. West is horrible and might do NO some good.